Forecaster Frank NFL Week 18: Last Licks
I went 10-6 last week, bringing my season record to 139-110-7 as this week's regular-season finale.
Saturday
- Cle +20 (o/u 41)
- Ravens 23 Browns 6
This spread seems ridiculous. The Ravens will win the AFC North with a win. That will happen, and in the second half, they will begin resting players, allowing the Browns to cover the spread.
- Pit +2 (o/u 48)
- Steelers 27 Bengals 24
The Bengals need a win and help to get into the playoffs. The Steelers are in but not playing well. The Steelers will play harder, with designs on getting back on track; the Bengals, meanwhile, will sputter and suffer another close loss.
Sunday at 1
- Atl -8 (o/u 48)
- Falcons 34 Panthers 17
The Falcons still have playoff hopes, though they need the Saints to beat the Buccaneers while beating the Panthers. The Falcons will do their part, but help will not arrive.
- Dal +6 (o/u 44)
- Cowboys 27 Commanders 16
The Commanders are in the playoffs and will focus more on getting set to play in the Wild Card round. The Cowboys won the first game in Washington and can get a season sweep with a win.
- Chi -10 (o/u 41)
- Packers 17 Bears 13
The Packers are in the playoffs and will rest most of their top players. The Bears are hapless and playing worse every week, as they enter with a ten-game losing streak. It will be close, but the Bears lose again.
- Ind -5 (o/u 44)
- Colts 29 Jaguars 13
The Colts' playoff hopes died with their embarrassing loss to the Giants last week. They will come home and play with pride against a Jaguars team that wants to go home.
- Buf -2.5 (o/u 37.5)
- Bills 20 Patriots 10
The Bills will be resting players. The Patriots will be getting the first overall pick, as this division rivalry will feel like a scrimmage in August.
- Phi -3 (o/u 37.5)
- Eagles 23 Giants 6
It's another game of a playoff team resting players while the division rival plays for pride. The Giants were roasted for winning last week, this week they won't have to worry as they get dominated in Philadelphia again.
- TB -14 (o/u 43.5)
- Buccaneers 38 Saints 11
The Buccaneers must win to get the NFC South and grab the NFC's last playoff spot. The Buccaneers slipped up in Dallas two weeks ago; they will ensure that will not happen, as the game will be out of reach before halftime.
- Hou +1.5 (o/u 37)
- Texans 24 Titans 20
The Texans will be focused on their Saturday at 1 playoff game, but they know they need to get on track before the season ends. Though they have nothing to play for, expect them to get the win as the Titans with a chance to get the first pick folds quickly.
Sunday Late Games
- Ari -4 (o/u 42.5)
- Cardinals 27 49ers 13
A miserable season ends for the 49ers, as Brock Purdy is out with an injury, ending the year as the latest Niners injury. The Cardinals have also disappointed, but they will win in this game, as Kyler Murray hopes to erase a terrible second half with a strong finish.
- KC +10.5 (o/u 40)
- Broncos 20 Chiefs 17
Despite having the top seed and a bye, the Chiefs are resting their best players, with the Broncos needing a win to get in the playoffs. The game will be close, with the Broncos being able to get the field goal off for the win as time expires.
- Sea -6.5 (o/u 38.5)
- Seahawks 24 Rams 10
The Rams have won the division thanks to a set of tiebreakers involving win quality. The Seahawks can only ask what if, as they close the season with a win and lose by a split hair, in the craziest tiebreak formula seen in years.
- LAC -4.5 (o/u 41.5)
- Chargers 31 Raiders 9
The Chargers know they could get a better seed with a win and a path to a quick showdown with the Chiefs if they end up as the fifth seed instead of the sixth seed. That motivation will drive them in Vegas.
- Mia -1 (o/u 39)
- Dolphins 23 Jets 6
Tua's status is unclear; the forecast is below 40, but the Jets are still the Jets, and the Dolphins will get the win to get to 9-8, knowing if the Broncos slip up, the playoffs will come calling. Tyler Huntley will be the key to winning, as the Jets have packed their bags and can't wait to go home.
Sunday Night
- Det -2.5 (o/u 56.5)
- Lions 38 Vikings 34
It is the one game with everything on the line, as the winner gets home field and a bye to the Divisional Round, while the loser will play next week. The Lions have been the clutch all season in these games, and despite their injuries on defense, they will win a shootout to get their first-ever home-field advantage.
